Oregano is known for being an aromatic herb that is popular in Italian and other Mediterranean cuisine. While most people have this herb in their spice cabinets or drawers, few use oregano for its powerful healing properties. People in the Mediterranean, however, have been using oregano as an alternative remedy for thousands of years.
Belonging to the mint family, oregano is an easy herb to grow. It prefers dry weather and sunlight, so it makes for the perfect plant for your windowsill. You can use fresh oregano to cook with or to make herbal remedies. Even though more research has been conducted on the health benefits of oil of oregano, fresh oregano has been known to help remedy common illnesses.
How To Get Oregano Into Your Diet
When it comes to getting oregano into your diet, you have several options. You can add fresh oregano to stocks or soups, you can season your dishes with dried oregano, or you can use oil of oregano for topical and internal relief. For instance, massaging oil of oregano on a sore muscle or joint can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can also take fresh oregano and infuse it in olive or coconut oil. Eating fresh oregano by itself can cause some people to have stomach pain, so be cautious when using this powerful herb.
Bone Health
Containing a hefty amount of vitamin K, oregano is great for bone and cardiovascular health. It is also rich in calcium, iron, and manganese, all of which support bone health and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Immune Support
Rosmarinic acid and thymol, two powerful antioxidants, are in oregano and they have been known to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oregano has been shown to contain four times more antioxidants than blueberries. These antioxidants can help nourish cells and fight free radicals in the body!
Heart Health
Because oregano is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help support and balance cholesterol levels, it is beneficial for your cardiovascular health. Omega-3s also help to reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, ultimately helping to prevent arteriosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks.
Digestive Aid
Oregano is packed with dietary fiber; you can get 10% of your daily fiber from one tablespoon of oregano. Since fiber is essential for healthy digestion, regularly including oregano in your diet can help stimulate peristalsis, which is the process that moves food through your digestive tract. You can add a couple drops of oil of oregano to a glass of alkaline water to help relieve digestive pain.
It is advised that pregnant women be wary of consuming oregano in medicinal amounts. Consult your primary caregiver for more information. Since oregano is a powerful herb, we don’t advise eating fresh leaves. You can absorb the health properties by infusion, cooking, or seasoning.
